Chapter 4

Around noon, the entrance examination for the Magic Academy began.

The spacious schoolyard was bustling with examinees. As the pinnacle of magical education, it was no surprise that children from all over the country had gathered here. A middle-aged teacher stood on a raised platform, looking down at us and giving a greeting.

"Young talents! I am honored that you have chosen to step through the gates of this academy today! Just as you aspire to the best institution, we also seek the best talents! We do not close our doors to those who possess talent! Show us your abilities, and we hope you will study here at our academy!"

After a long speech, he then announced:

"Lastly! It is an unexpected honor for you all, but today, the court magician, Mr. Carail, has expressed a desire to observe the exams! He will be speaking to you shortly, so please do not make any mistakes!"

With that, the male teacher descended from the platform.

Court magician Carail—

The moment his name was mentioned, the examinees murmured in excitement. Even Laura, who had been listening quietly next to me, let out a surprised "Eh?"

I whispered to Laura,

"Who is he?"

"Y-You don't know...?"

"I've been a bit out of touch with the world."

I had been a recluse for ten years...

Laura explained in a low voice,

"Mr. Carail is a top-tier talent in the history of the academy and is currently a court magician."

A court magician—magicians who are allowed to serve the royal family directly. They are the highest-ranking court magicians.

"Wow, that's impressive."

"Really. It's unprecedented for someone to become a court magician at the age of twenty-five."

"Twenty-five!?"

I couldn't help but raise my voice. I quickly covered my mouth and bowed to those around me.

It's not an easy position to attain.

Only magicians with exceptional talent, who have been recognized for years of research and contributions to the state, can hold this position.

So, it's usually the job of experienced, elderly magicians.

"Twenty-five... really twenty-five?"

"Yes. And he has mastered up to Seventh-level magic at that age."

Seventh—this is the title given to magicians who can control over seven hundred spells.

At twenty-five, over seven hundred.

That's not ordinary talent.

It's no wonder the examinees, who are about to enter the world of magic, are excited.

Perhaps he might even surpass the legendary magician Magnus, who can control a thousand spells—

I gave a small, self-deprecating laugh that Laura couldn't hear.

On one side, a twenty-six-year-old who can only handle one spell.

On the other, a twenty-five-year-old court magician who can handle over seven hundred spells.

I feel like a turtle looking up at the moon. The difference is so vast that I can't even feel regret.

As Laura said, a man about my age ascended the platform. He was a slender man with frameless glasses, and his golden hair, longer than most men's, reached his shoulders. With his sweet features, he must be quite popular among the noble ladies at court.

The moment he appeared, the examinees exclaimed, "Ohhh!" The male teacher repeated, "Quiet! Quiet!"

After the murmurs subsided, Carail spoke.

"Today, I have the good fortune to observe your exams. However, I am not here to evaluate you specifically. I am here to audit the examination process to ensure it is conducted fairly. So, it's the teachers who should be nervous, not you, the examinees. Don't waste your nervousness, okay, everyone?"

Carail spoke in a light, humorous tone.

"Of course, I don't expect any issues at the Royal Magic Academy. I've already prepared a 'no issues' report and have been slacking off. But I also want to see your efforts and remember my own beginnings. I hope to witness your excellent performances. Please do your best."

With a smile, Carail descended from the platform with a confident stride.

He is a remarkably polished man.

He became a court magician at twenty-five. His talent must extend beyond just magic.

Well... it doesn't matter.

The paths of that successful man and me will never cross again.

"Let's begin the examination!"

The male teacher raised his voice.

We were divided into groups based on our assigned numbers and headed to our assigned examiners. Laura and I had registered for the exam together, so we were in the same group.

The middle-aged male examiner began,

"From this point on, we will conduct the first test with Magic Arrow!"

The examiner pointed to the back. There, a target about the width of a person's outstretched arms was attached to a post.

"From this green line, you will fire three Magic Arrows! The distance is thirty meters! Show us your control over magic!"

I felt a sense of nostalgia.

I had taken the same test ten years ago.

It's good that it hasn't changed. If it had, I would have been disqualified at this point.

Of course, it's not a coincidence that it hasn't changed.

Magic Arrow is the foundation of magic. Many magicians learn it first.

In that sense, it's an equitable choice for an exam subject.

"Magic Arrow! Magic Arrow! Magic Arrow!"

The examiner fired three Magic Arrows in quick succession.

They hit the center of the target with considerable accuracy.

"This is what it looks like. The target is protected by a defensive spell. It won't break with your level of magic, so don't hesitate to hit it!"

The examiner continued,

"Let's proceed in the order of your examination numbers. Number 389! Step forward!"

Number 389—

...That's me.

"I'll be back."

"Good luck!"

Laura saw me off.

As I stepped out of the group, the examinees began to murmur.

From the fragments I could hear—

"He's not a student, right?"

"He's pretty old, isn't he?"

Apparently.

...That's what most people would think. This is a magic academy. The examinees are overwhelmingly in their teens. While there are some repeaters, it's rare to have someone who has been trying for ten years like me.

I heard some laughter.

"Think about your age, man."

With that voice. Although it wasn't many, many examinees must be thinking the same thing internally.

There's no point in worrying about it.

I stood at the green line and reached out toward the target.

"Magic Arrow"

A light arrow shot from my hand and charged at the target—

Boom!

With a loud noise, the target shattered into pieces.